>>> ♪ ♪ >>> MAJOR FUNDING FOR KPBS EVENING ADDITION HAS BEEN MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY ANDERSON PLUMBING, HEATING, AND AIR.

PROUD TO SUPPORT THE MISSION OF KPBS , AND PRIVILEGED TO SERVE SAN DIEGO CLIENTS.

ANDERSON PLUMBING, HEATING, AND AIR.

HELPING HOMEOWNERS MAINTAIN PLUMBING, HEATING, AND COOLING SYSTEMS SINCE 1978.

AND BY THE CONRAD PURPOSE FOUNDATION.

CHARLENE MARCOS SHIVELY, AND BY THE FOLLOWING.

AND BY VIEWERS LIKE YOU.

THANK YOU.

>>> GOOD EVENING, IT IS THURSDAY FEBRUARY 18th.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

I'M MAYA TRABULSI.

JUST A DAY AFTER REOPENING, THE COUNTY AND ASKED THE PETCO PARK VACCINATION SUPERSTATION WILL CLOSE AGAIN TOMORROW.

KPBS REPORTER JOHN CARROLL SAYS IT'S AN UNEVEN PICTURE WHEN IT COMES TO GETTING A VACCINE.

>> Reporter: SAN DIEGO COUNTY'S LARGEST VACCINATION SUPERSTATION WILL GO DARK AGAIN TOMORROW.

YOU WILL RECALL THE PETCO PARK SITE HAD TO SHUT DOWN SUNDAY, MONDAY, AND TUESDAY THIS WEEK.

THE COUNTRY SAYS ANYBODY WITH AN APPOINTMENT DURING THE CLOSURE SHOULD CHECK FOR AN EMAIL AS TO WHEN THAT APPOINTMENT SHOULD BE RESCHEDULED.

IT IS NOT JUST PETCO.

HERE AT THE MUNICIPAL JEN AND BALBOA PARK, THEY ARE SET UP AND READY TO DO A LOT OF VACCINATIONS, BUT ON A DAY WHEN WE HAVE FOR CLEAR SKIES AND RELATIVELY WARM TEMPERATURES, IT IS AND SAID THE HORRIBLE WEATHER BACK EAST, THAT IS CONTROLLING THE SITUATION.

WHEN MIGHT ME GET ADEQUATE SUPPLIES OF VACCINE FROM PFIZER AND MODERNA, LOCATED IN MICHIGAN IN MASSACHUSETTS?

ASK MOTHER NATURE.

>> WE WILL CONTINUE TO SEE THIS KIND OF THING UNTIL THE SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES GET IRONED OUT, AND THE WEATHER CALMS DOWN, AND UNTIL WE HAVE MORE INVENTORY.

>> Reporter: THE MAYOR WAS SPEAKING AT THE MALCOLM X LIBRARY IN VALENCIA PARK WHERE PEOPLE WERE GETTING VACCINATED TODAY.

>> USING OUR FIREFIGHTERS, WE ARE TRYING TO FILL IN THE GAPS.

YOU ARE SEEING THIS FIRST POP- UP EVENT IN SOUTHEAST SAN DIEGO IN THE SECOND HIGHEST IS A CODE IN THE CITY FOR THAT INFECTION, BUT WHAT YOU ARE NOT SEEING IS THAT WE HAVE MOBILE UNITS GOING TO SOME OF OUR SENIOR COMPLEXES AND SOME OF OUR HARD-HIT COMMUNITIES.

>> Reporter: THE BIGGER PICTURE?

THE SUPERSTATION AT CAL STATE CENTER MARCOS IS OFFERING SECOND DOSE IS ONLY.

THE SUPERSTATION'S IN CHULA VISTA AND LA MESA HAVE ENOUGH PFIZER VACCINE FOR THE TIME BEING TO KEEP OPERATING, BUT THEY ARE RESCHEDULING PEOPLE WHO HAVE APPOINTMENTS TO GET THE MODERNA VACCINE.

THE DELMAR SUPERSTATION WILL STAY OPEN AT LEAST TILL THIS WEEKEND.

THE SHORTAGE IN SUPPLY IS REFLECTED IN THE VACCINATION APPOINTMENT SITES, AND THERE ARE A FEW AVAILABLE HERE AND THERE.

AS YOU SCROLL DOWN THE PAGE, MOST YOU SEE IS NO APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE, THREE FRUSTRATING WORDS IS NOT JUST SAN DIEGO, BUT MOST OF THE COUNTRY WAITS FOR THIS SHOTS THAT SAVE LIVES.

JOHN CARROLL, KPBS NEWS .

>>> WE HAVE MORE INFORMATION AT KPBS.ORG .

CLICK ON THE VACCINES TAB ON OUR HOMEPAGE.

YOU WILL FIND A SEARCHABLE MAP WITH CLINIC LOCATIONS, AND LINKS TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT IF ELIGIBLE.

>>> MANY PARENTS WANT THEIR KIDS BACK IN CLASS IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY.

THEY ARE GETTING CLOSER TO THAT REALITY.

CALIFORNIA LAWMAKERS JUST ANNOUNCED A !

$5 BILLION SCHOOL REOPENING PLAN TO GET KIDS BACK INTO CLASSROOMS THIS SPRING HERE COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENTS WOULD BE REQUIRED TO OFFER VACCINATIONS TO SCHOOL STAFF, AND A RETURN TO IN PERSON CLASSES.

JUST YESTERDAY, THE COUNTY'S CASE RATE DIPPED TO 22 CASES PER 100,000 PEOPLE.

THE STATE REQUIRES THAT THRESHOLD TO STAY BELOW 25 PER 100,000 FOUR 5 STRAIGHT DAYS.

AT THAT POINT, IT IS UP TO THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS IF THEY DECIDE TO REOPEN.

>> OBVIOUSLY EVERYONE NEEDS TO BE SAFE AND WEAR MASKS, BUT THE KIDS NEED TO BE TOGETHER.

THEY NEED TO BE HAVING FULL- TIME INSTRUCTION WITH TEACHERS.

>> I'M JUST WORRIED THAT BEING ZOOM AT HOME, AND BEING COOPED UP ALL THE TIME, THEY ARE NOT GETTING THE HELP THEY NEED.

>> A RALLY WAS HELD AT SUNSET VIEW ELEMENTARY WITH PARENTS AND STUDENTS DEMANDING IT BE REOPENED.

MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLS WILL TAKE EVEN LONGER TO REOPEN BECAUSE THEY HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THE COUNTY'S CASE RATE FALLS BELOW 7 PER 100,000 RESIDENTS.

THE WHITE HOUSE ANNOUNCED A SWEEPING INTERROGATION REFORM THAT WOULD GRANT A PATH TO CITIZENSHIP TO MORE THAN 11 MILLION IMMIGRANTS LIVING IN THE UNITED STATES, AS NADIA ROMERO EXPLAINS.

THE BILLS FATE RESTS IN THE HANDS OF THE NARROWLY DIVIDED CONGRESS.

>>> THERE IS A REASONABLE PATH TO CITIZENSHIP.

>> Reporter: THE WHITE HOUSE NO UNVEILING ITS VISION FOR THAT PATH.

THE U.S.

CITIZENSHIP APP OF 2021 CALLS FOR AN 8 YOUR PATHWAY TO CITIZENSHIP FOR THE MORE THAN 11 MILLION UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS LIVING IN THE UNITED STATES BEFORE JANUARY 1st THIS YEAR.

IT WILL REACH THE SENATE NEXT WEEK WHERE IT FACES AN UPHILL BATTLE.

>>> WE INTEND TO WORK TOGETHER TO PASS THEIR LEGISLATION INFORMATION THAT STRENGTHENS AMERICA.

>> Reporter: THE FRAMEWORK STREAMLINES THE PATHWAY FOR UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS, INCLUDING FARMWORKERS, AND FOR THE SO-CALLED DREAMERS, BROUGHT TO THE COUNTRY AS CHILDREN.

THEY ALSO CALL FOR FUNDING TO HELP CLEAR ASYLUM BACKLOG, INCREASING THE NUMBER OF THE SO- CALLED DIVERSITY VISAS AND DECREASING PENALTIES FROM EMPLOYERS WHO KNOW AILING HIGHER UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS.

A $4 BILLION INVESTMENT PLAN WILL ADDRESS ROOT CAUSES OF IMMIGRATION, AS WELL AS ENHANCING TECHNOLOGY AND INFRASTRUCTURE AT THE BORDER.

THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION DESCRIBES THE LEGISLATION AS A START TO THE CONVERSATION ON IMMIGRATION REFORM.

>> WE WILL NEVER WIN AN ARGUMENT THAT WE DON'T HAVE THE COURAGE TO MAKE.

WE WILL DO THE RIGHTEOUS THING, AND MAKE A CASE FOR BOLD, INCLUSIVE, AND LASTING -- >> HOW IT HAPPENS THROUGH THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS REMAINS TO BE SEEN, BUT IT IS A PRIORITY, AND WE WILL BE WORKING ON IT.

>> Reporter: IN WASHINGTON, NADIA ROMERO, KPBS NEWS .

>>> SAN DIEGO MAYOR TODD GLORIA PRAISED THE BILL, SAYING IT INCORPORATES MANY OF THE PRIORITIES HE OUTLINED IN A LETTER SENT TO THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION AND CONGRESSIONAL LEADERSHIP.

AMONG THEM, PROVIDING A PATHWAY TO CITIZENSHIP, AND KEEPING FAMILIES TOGETHER.

>>> TOMORROW, STARTING RIGHT HERE AT THE SAN DIEGO TIJUANA BORDER, THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION WILL BEGIN TO ALLOW THOUSANDS OF ASYLUM- SEEKERS TO REENTER THE U.S. KPBS REPORTER MAX RIVLIN ADLER SAYS THEY WERE SENT BACK THROUGH THE CONTROVERSIAL REMAIN IN MEXICO PROGRAM.

>> Reporter: JUST 2 YEARS AFTER THE FIRST ASYLUM SEEKER WAS SENT BACK TO MEXICO UNDER THE MIGRANT PROTECTION PROTOCOLS ALSO KNOWN AS REMAIN IN MEXICO, THE PROGRAM IS BEGINNING TO UNWIND UNDER THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION.

FIRST LAUNCHED BY THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TO CURB ASYLUM IN THE U.S., THE PROGRAM SENT BACK ASYLUM-SEEKERS TO LIVE IN DANGEROUS BORDER CITIES, TO WAIT WHILE ATTENDING COURT HEARINGS IN THE U.S. TO SEE IF THEY WOULD WIN THEIR ASYLUM CLAIM.

JOYCE NO CHE IS A LAWYER WITH THE IMMIGRANT DEFENDERS LA CENTER, WHICH HAS PROVIDED REPRESENTATION TO SOME OF THESE ASYLUM-SEEKERS.

>> MOST IF NOT THE MAJORITY OF RESPONDENTS WERE, YOU KNOW, WITHOUT ANY STABLE HOUSING.

THEY WERE LIVING IN SHELTERS.

THERE ARE MAKESHIFT SHELTERS AROUND BORDER TOWNS, IN THESE VERY UNSTABLE AND UNSAFE AND SOMETIMES VIOLENT CONDITIONS.

HAVING TO DEAL WITH THAT ON A DAILY BASIS, WHILE ALSO TRYING TO FIGHT FOR YOUR LIFE, FOR YOUR FAMILIES LIFE, IN IMMIGRATION COURT IN THE UNITED STATES.

>> Reporter: LAST MONTH, THE BIDEN ADMINISTERED AND ENDED TO ADMISSIONS FOR THE PROGRAM.

ON FRIDAY, THE FIRST ASYLUM- SEEKERS IN THE PROGRAM WILL BE PROCESSED AT THE PORT OF ENTRY, TO CONTINUE THEIR ASYLUM CLAIMS FROM INSIDE THE UNITED STATES.

TO REGISTER, ASYLUM-SEEKERS MUST GO ONLINE AND FILL OUT A FORM.

THEY WILL BE PROCESSED IN ORDER OF WHO FIRST ENTERED THE REMAIN IN MEXICO PROGRAM, WHICH SENT OVER 65,000 ASYLUM-SEEKERS BACK TO MEXICO.

>> ON MONDAY, PEOPLE JUST STARTED COMING TO OUR OFFICES.

WE HAD MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, I THINK THEY HAD A 47 PEOPLE ARRIVE AT OUR OFFICE SPEAKING INFORMATION.

>> Reporter: KELLY OVERTON HELPS RUN BORDER KINDNESS, AN ORGANIZATION THAT PROVIDES ASSISTANCE TO ASYLUM SEEKER IN MEXICALI.

MANY WERE SENT BACK UNDER REMAIN IN MEXICO.

>> WHAT WE HAD DONE IS HOPEFULLY PREPARE THEM TO BE ABLE TO ACCESS THE WEBSITE, THAT OUR UNDERSTANDING GOES LIVE TOMORROW, AND WE HAVE DONE THAT BY PUTTING TOGETHER SHEETS THAT EXPLAIN TO PEOPLE HOW TO ACCESS THE WEBSITE MOW WHAT THEY WILL BE ASKED, WHAT INFORMATION THEY NEED, AND THEN DISTRIBUTING THOSE SHEETS THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY.

>> Reporter: THE U.S. GOVERNMENT SAYS IT WILL ONLY PROCESS A FEW HUNDRED PEOPLE PER DAY ACROSS THE BORDER.

EVENTUALLY RAMPING UP IN THE COMING WEEKS.

RIGHT OF THE APPLICATION IS ONLY OPEN TO THOSE WHO STILL HAVE CASES OPEN IN THE PROGRAM.

THOSE WHO 40 LOST THEIR ASYLUM CASES OR HAVE THEM CLOSED DON'T QUALIFY.

THEY MIGHT'VE HAD THEIR FATES DECIDED BY A PROGRAM THE U.S. NO LONGER SUPPORTS.

KPBS NEWS.

>>> TONIGHT SUPERVISOR CHAIR NATHAN FLETCHER IS DELIVERING HIS FIRST STATE OF THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY ADDRESS.

THE VIRTUAL EVENT WILL INCLUDE A SPEECH FROM FLETCHER, AS WELL AS PRERECORDED MESSAGES THAT WILL BE INTERPRETED INTO AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE, SPANISH, VIETNAMESE, FILIPINO, CHINESE, AND ARABIC.

YOU CAN WATCH IT LIVE AT 7:00 ON OUR WEBSITE, KPBS.ORG .

>>> PADRES A STAR SHORTCUT FERNANDO TO TEASE JUNIOR IS $340 MILLION RICHER.

NO, HE DID NOT WIN THE LOTTERY, BUT HE DID HIT THE PADRES UP FOR THE JACKPOT.

KPBS REPORTER MATT HOFFMAN SAYS FANS ARE EXCITED ABOUT WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR THE 22-YEAR- OLD.

>>> WHAT WAS MY INITIAL REACTION , I WILL PROBABLY GET INTO THAT IN GREATER DETAIL A LITTLE BIT MORE LATER, LEADER.

>> Reporter: HE INSPIRES US TO MATE WITH HIS WORK ETHIC THROUGH 143 GAMES.

HE HAS PUT UP 49 HOME RUNS WITH 20 SEVEN STOLEN BASES.

>> FERNANDO TATIS JUNIOR.

GET TO KNOW THAT NAME.

>> BEING CONSISTENT EVERY DAY AND SHOWING UP AND PERFORMING WELL AND TREATING PEOPLE VERY WELL, THE TEAM, AND TEAMMATES, BY AND VERY QUICKLY.

>> Reporter: TATIS HAS REPORTED 14 YEAR $340 MILLION CONTRACT IS NOT FINALIZED JUST YET, BUT IT IS ON TRACK TO BE THE LONGEST AND ONE OF THE MOST VALUABLE IN BASEBALL HISTORY.

>> I SAW HIS DEBUT WITH MY DAD.

>> Reporter: JACK WAS TOURING PETCO PARK WITH HIS FAMILY TODAY.

HE'S AN ANGELS FAN AND A PADRES FAN.

>> NATIONAL LEAGUE AND THEN AMERICAN LEAGUE.

>> Reporter: HE IS EXCITED ABOUT THE IDEA OF TATIS JUNIOR PLAYING SHORTSTOP FOR THE PADRES OVER THE NEXT DECADE.

>> HE IS GETTING A LOT OF MONEY BUT IS REALLY GOOD.

>> Reporter: OTHER PADRES FANS ARE PICKING UP THE TATIS JERSEYS FROM THE STORE WHILE THEY STILL CAN.

>> I AM SO HYPED.

I AM A HUGE TATIS FAN.

I SAID IT SINCE HE HAS BEEN HERE THAT HE NEEDS TO BE A LIFETIME POTTERY.

I'M SUPER STOKED.

>> Reporter: FANS LIKE MICHELLE A BIG MOVE LIKE THIS PROVE THAT THE PADRES OWNERSHIP IS SERIOUS ABOUT BRINGING A CHAMPIONSHIP TO SAN DIEGO.

>> I'M REALLY HAPPY FOR THE COMMUNITY AND FAMILIES OUT THERE.

IT IS GOING TO BE SOMETHING THAT KIDS CAN ENJOY.

IT IS GOING TO CROSS GENERATIONS.

>> Reporter: THEY SAY TATIS'S TALENT IS UNDENIABLE AND CAN BE ONE OF THOSE ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME PLAYERS .

FANS DEFINITELY THINK THAT HE IS.

>> IT'S THE JOY THAT HE HAS PLAYING BASEBALL.

PEOPLE CONNECT WITH THAT.

I THINK THAT IS WHY WE ARE ALL SO EXCITED.

THIS REALLY HAS THE OPPORTUNITY AND THE POTENTIAL TO BE ANOTHER TONY GWYNN SITUATION.

WE LOVE TONY SO MUCH, AND TREVOR .

IS JUST GOING TO BE NICE TO HAVE ANOTHER SUPERSTAR.

>> Reporter: MANY WE TALKED TO WERE HOPEFUL THAT THEY WILL BE ABLE TO SEE TATIS PLAY IN PERSON THIS UPCOMING SEASON.

THAT HOFFMAN, KPBS NEWS .

>>> STARTING ON MARCH 1st, FIVE CITIES IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY WILL BE GETTING A BIT GREENER.

KPBS METRO REPORTER ANDREW BOWENS HAS A NEW GOVERNMENT AGENCY FORMED TO SPEED UP THE TRANSITION TO RENEWABLE ENERGY WILL OFFICIALLY START SERVING CUSTOMERS.

>>> DIRECTOR MONTGOMERY?

>> HERE.

>> Reporter: LIKE MOST EVERYONE ELSE THESE DAYS, THE GOVERNING BOARD OF SAN DIEGO COMMUNITY POWER MEETS VIA ZOOM.

AT THE START OF EACH MEETING, THEY PLEDGED TO A PICTURE OF THE AMERICAN FLAG ON THEIR SCREENS.

>> OF LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.

>> Reporter: IT'S A COMMUNITY CHOICE ENERGY PROGRAM.

IT'S NOT QUITE A UTILITY.

IT DOES NOT OWN POWERLINES, BUT SOON IT WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PURCHASING WHOLESALE ELECTRICITY ON BEHALF OF CUSTOMERS IN SAN DIEGO, CHULA VISTA, ENCINITAS, LA MESA, AND IMPERIAL BEACH.

ON MARCH 1st, IT WILL START POWERING CITY BUILDINGS LIKE LIBRARIES AND POLICE STATIONS.

IT WILL START SERVING BUSINESSES IN JUNE, FOLLOWED BY HOMES IN 2022.

>> MOST PEOPLE PROBABLY WON'T NOTICE WE ARE HERE.

>> Reporter: CODY HOOVEN IS THE CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER.

>> IF THEY LOOK AT THEIR BILL, THEY WILL SEEM A NEW LINE ITEM WITH OUR NAME ON IT FOR THE COST OF GENERATION OF POWER.

>> Reporter: SHE IS HOPING THEIR BILLS WILL BE LOWER THAN UNDER THE CURRENT REGIME, BUT THE BIGGEST CHANGE THEY WILL BRING IS A MASSIVE BOOST IN CLEAN ENERGY.

55% OF ITS ELECTRICITY WILL BE CARBON FREE COMPARED WITH THE CURRENT 31%.

CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO OPT TO PAY A LITTLE MORE FOR 100% CLEAN ENERGY CHULA VISTA CITY COUNCIL MEMBER AND BOARD MEMBER STEVE PADILLA SAYS THAT THIS IS THE CENTRAL MISSION, ACCELERATE THE TRANSITION AWAY FROM FOSSIL FUELS.

>> IT IMPACTS EVERYTHING INCLUDING PUBLIC HEALTH.

IT IMPACTS COST IN THE LONG RUN.

IT IMPACTS PENETRATING COSTS FOR BUSINESSES, INDUSTRIAL COMMERCIAL CLIENTS, AND RESIDENTIAL CLIENTS.

MOST OF ALL, IT ALLOWS FOLKS TO REALLY AGAIN TO REDUCE THAT FOOTPRINT A LOT SOONER, AND A LOT MORE BROADLY, BY OFFERING THAT CHOICE, AND INCENTIVIZING THAT MARKET.

>> Reporter: SAN DIEGO COMMUNITY POWER HAS FOUGHT HARD TO GET THE THIS POINT, AND THEY HAVEN'T EXACTLY BEEN AN ALLY.

THE UTILITY PARENT COMPANY SPENT YEARS LOBBYING AGAINST THE CREATION.

JUST LAST YEAR, HOOVEN RECALLS HER DECISION TO HIRE A LAW FIRM TO DOUBLE CHECK THE RATES.

>> I WAS A LITTLE NERVOUS TO HIRE THE FIRM.

DO WE NEED TO SPEND THIS MONEY.

WE ARE A STARTUP AND WE NEED TO THINK ABOUT EVERY DOLLAR WE SPENT, AND RIGHT OFF THE BAT THEY FOUND AN $85 MILLION ERROR, MATH ERROR, THAT PEOPLE WOULD'VE OTHERWISE BEEN CHARGED.

>> Reporter: THEY WERE SET TO OVERCHARGE CUSTOMERS BY $85 MILLION.

THEY FIXED THE MISTAKE BEFORE ANYONE WAS CHARGED, AND HOOVEN DOESN'T THINK IT WAS INTENTIONAL, BUT SHE SAYS IT DOES SHOW THE UTILITY CAN MAKE MISTAKES.

>> TO ME IT REALLY SHOWED THE VALUE THAT WE BRING TO THE TABLE OF JUST MAKING SURE THAT REPAIRS ARE PROTECTED AND THAT WE ARE CHECKING THINGS FOR THEM.

>> Reporter: THEY SAY THEY ARE COMMITTED TO WORKING WITH S TCP, AND TO A FUTURE WITH 100% CLEAN ENERGY.

RIGHT NOW, AS TCP IS BUSY PREPARING FOR ITS PHASE ONE LAUNCH NEXT MONTH.

BUT AS IT GROWS TO SERVE MORE CUSTOMERS, AND PLANS TO DO A LOT MORE THAN JUST BY ELECTRICITY.

MATTHEW IS THE CODIRECTOR OF POLICY FOR THE NONPROFIT CLIMATE ACTION CAMPAIGN.

HE SEES THE POTENTIAL FOR A HOST OF NEW PROGRAMS.

>> INCENTIVIZING WITH TOP SOLAR FOR COMMUNITIES THAT ARE LOW INCOME PEER COMMUNITIES SOLAR, FINDING WAYS TO REALLY GET OUR ENERGY SYSTEM BACK IN OUR OWN BACKYARDS SO THAT WE DON'T HAVE TO DEAL WITH THE POWER SAFETY SHUTOFFS THAT HAPPEN WITH THE BACKCOUNTRY ON FIRE.

THE MORE THAT WE CAN START BUILDING LOOKER INFRASTRUCTURE INCENTIVIZED BY STCP WITH OUR OWN REVENUE, THE BETTER OFF WE ARE GOING TO BE IN TERMS OF BUILDING OUT OUR 100% CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE.

>> Reporter: ASIDE FROM OFFERING CLEANER AND CHEAPER ENERGY, THE NEW POWER AGENCY HOPES TO BE MORE TRANSPARENT AND ACCESSIBLE THAN STT ANDY.

>> RESIDENCE CAN COME TO OUR BOARD MEETINGS NOW OR IN PERSON.

THEY CAN COME TO OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS AND SHARE WHAT THEY THINK ABOUT THEIR RATES, PROGRAMS THAT WE CAN OFFER, ABOUT WHAT WE ARE DOING WELL, WHAT WE SHOULD BE DOING BETTER.

WE HOPE TO MAKE ENERGY A MUCH MORE OPEN CONCEPT FOR PEOPLE, AND LET THEM ENGAGE MORE THAN THEY PROBABLY HAVE IN THE PAST.

>> Reporter: THE PRESSURE IS ON TO GET THINGS RIGHT.

WHEN IT IS FULLY UP AND RUNNING, STCP WILL BE THE LARGEST AGENCY OF ITS KIND IN CALIFORNIA, AND PEOPLE ACROSS THE STATE WILL BE WATCHING TO JUDGE ITS SUCCESS.

ANDREW BOWEN, KPBS NEWS.

>>> THERE IS A HUMANITARIAN CRISIS HAPPENING RIGHT NOW IN TEXAS.

FOR THE FIFTH CONSECUTIVE DAY, HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE ARE WITHOUT POWER, AND MILLIONS DON'T HAVE ACCESS TO CLEAN WATER.

DARRELL FORGES IS IN HOUSTON WITH THE LATEST.

>>> IT'S HARD.

THE SHELTERS ARE AT CAPACITY.

THERE ARE NO HOTELS ANYWHERE.

>> Reporter: PEOPLE IN TEXAS FIGHTING TO SURVIVE.

>> IT'S HORRIBLE.

IT'S JUST A VERY SURVIVAL MODE.

>> Reporter: HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS WITHOUT POWER.

>> IT IS 47 DEGREES IN OUR HOMES.

>> Reporter: IN FRIGID TEMPERATURES.

>> WE HAD NO FIREWOOD LEFT AND WE STARTED USING THINGS IN THE HOUSE TO KEEP THE FIRE GOING, AND SEEING MY TWO SLEEPING BABIES UNDER A BUNCH OF BLANKETS, IN FRONT OF THE FIREPLACE THAT WAS SLOWLY GOING OUT WAS HEARTBREAKING.

>> Reporter: MANY SLEEPING IN WARMING SENSORS, FURNITURE STORES, OR CARS, JUST TO FIGHT THE FREEZE.

>> IT'S UNCOMFORTABLE AS YOU CAN IMAGINE.

>> Reporter: IN ADDITION TO THE POWER CRISIS, THERE IS NOW A WATER CRISIS.

THE BRUTAL COLD BURSTING PIPES.

>> WE ARE TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW WE TURN THE WATER OFF.

>> Reporter: OTHERS WITHOUT ANY WATER.

>> WE ARE WITHOUT WATER SO WE ARE DOING WHAT WE CAN.

WIND GAS.

>> 50 MILES I HAD TO DRIVE SO I COULD GET THESE TWO GALLON SO I COULD RUN A GENERATOR OVERNIGHT.

>> Reporter: OR FOOD.

>> IT'S VERY STRESSFUL TO BE IN A COLD HOUSE, AND IF YOU ARE IN A COLD HOUSE, YOU ARE NOT EATING ANY WARM FOOD.

THEN WHEN YOU GO OUT, YOU CAN'T FIND FOOD.

>> Reporter: UNRELENTING WINTER STORMS ARE SWEEPING EAST ACROSS THE UNITED STATES, INCLUDING TEXAS, BRINGING MORE RISK OF MISERY AND DEATH.

>> I'M NERVOUS.

>> Reporter: IN HOUSTON, DARRELL FORGES, KPBS NEWS .

>>> IN TEXAS, SENATOR TED CRUZ IS FACING BACKLASH AFTER A SOCIAL MEDIA POST SURFACED SHOWING HIM BOARDING A PLANE TO CANCUN, WHILE HIS CONSTITUENTS ARE IN CRISIS.

THE REPUBLICAN SENATOR FLEW BACK TO HOUSTON THIS AFTERNOON.

CONGRESS IS NOT IN SESSION RIGHT NOW, AND CRUZ SAID HIS DAUGHTERS WANTED TO TAKE A TRIP WITH FRIENDS, AND HE WANTED TO BE A GOOD DAD.

HE ALSO SAID HE IS IN CONSTANT COMMUNICATION WITH STATE AND LOCAL LEADERS.

>>> WE ARE LOOKING AT A LITTLE BIT OF A CHANGE IN THE PATTERN AS WE GO THROUGH THE NEXT FEW DAYS.

WE WILL BE INTRODUCING SOME COOLER AIR AS WE HEAD INTO THE WEEKEND.

IT IS ALSO GOING TO MEAN A FEW EXTRA CLOUDS COMING THROUGH, SO WE WILL START TO SEE THAT TRENDS, EVEN A LITTLE BIT INTO TOMORROW, BUT MORE SO AS WE GET INTO SATURDAY.

TONIGHT MY TEMPERATURES FALLING BACK INTO THE 30s FOR MANY LOCATIONS, EVEN 44.

NOT TOO BAD AS WE KEEP THINGS LARGELY CLEAR AND FAIRLY QUIET.

WE AWAIT SOME OF THAT COOL AIR TO WORK ITS WAY IN.

STILL DRY, THAT'S THE GOOD NEWS.

EVEN AS WE GET SOME OF THAT COOL AIR MOVING IN, WE WON'T BE IMPACTED BY THE RAIN.

ALL OF THAT IS STAYING TO THE NORTH WITH RAIN AND SNOW SHOWERS FAR AWAY FROM US.

FOR TOMORROW, A FEW CLOUDS AND A COUPLE OF SPOTS, BUT OVERALL STILL A RELATIVELY DRY DAY, OR RATHER, A DRY DAY, AND A RELATIVELY CLOUD FREE DAY AS WE TRY TO INTRODUCE MORE MOISTURE.

65 IN OCEANSIDE.

AND AS YOU LOOK AT CHULA VISTA MAMA BASICALLY BACK INTO THE UPPER 60s AS WE HEAD THROUGH THE DAY.

SATURDAY, SIGNS OF THAT COOL AIR ON ITS WAY, SO THINGS ARE STARTING TO CHANGE A LITTLE BIT FOR US AS FAR AS OUR NUMBERS ARE CONCERNED.

IN FACT, WE WILL MANAGE TO ONLY MAKE IT TO THE LOW TO MID 60s AS WE HEAD THROUGH SATURDAY.

THERE ARE THE EXTRA CLOUDS THAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT.

BY SUNDAY, TRYING TO CRUISE BACK INTO THE LOWER 70s TOWARDS THE COAST, AND MAYBE MID 70s BY MONDAY.

IT'S A SHORT-LIVED TIMEFRAME YOU GET THE KOHLER INFLUENCE.

GALLANT LOCATIONS, SAME THING.

MID 60s FOR SATURDAY.

BEYOND THAT, WARMING BACK UP TO 82 ON MONDAY.

THERE IS A BIG WARMUP IN OUR FUTURE ONCE WE LOOK PAST THE WEEKEND TEMPERATURES GO BACK INTO THE UPPER, OR LOWER AND MID 50s IN THE MOUNTAINS, ESPECIALLY AS WE HEAD TOWARDS THE LATER PART OF THE WEEK, OR INTO THE MIDDLE OF NEXT WEEK, I SHOULD SAY, AND FOR THE DESERTS.

WE HAVE TEMPERATURES HOLDING ONTO THE 70s, REALLY, FAIRLY MILD CONDITIONS OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS.

EVENTUALLY MAKING IT TO THE MID-80s TOWARDS THE MIDDLE OF NEXT WEEK.

FOR KPBS NEWS, I AM METEOROLOGIST MELISSA CONSTANZER.

>>> A NEW WARNING FROM TOP U.S. HEALTH OFFICIALS ABOUT CORONAVIRUS VARIANCE, AS MANDY GAITHER TELLS US NEW REPORTS SUGGEST THOSE MUTATIONS COULD LEAD TO A RAPID RISE IN CASES IF AMERICANS BECOME COMPLACENT.

>> Reporter: ALL EYES ON THE HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS CORONAVIRUS VARIANTS, AS MORE MUTATIONS ARE IDENTIFIED IN THE U.S. >> I KNOW THESE VARIANTS ARE CONCERNING, ESPECIALLY AS WE ARE SEEING SIGNS OF PROGRESS.

I AM TALKING ABOUT THEM TODAY BECAUSE I AM CONCERNED AS WELL.

>> Reporter: WELL COVID-19 CASES ARE FALLING IN THE U.S., TWO NEW REPORTS BY THE CDC WORN THE VARIANTS COULD CAUSE A RAPID RISE IN COVID-19 CASES .

IN ONE REPORT, RESEARCHERS FROM THE CDC AND MINNESOTA HEALTH DEPARTMENT DETAILED CASES OF THE VARIANTS FIRST IDENTIFIED IN THE UK .

EARLIER MODELING DATA SUGGESTED THIS VARIANTS, WHICH MAY BE MORE THAN TRANSMISSIBLE, COULD BECOME THE PREDOMINANT VARIANT IN THE UNITED STATES IN MARCH.

OFFICIALS ARE URGING PEOPLE TO TAKE ACTION TO REDUCE SPREAD.

>> WHEN HE RETURNED TO GET VACCINATED COMES UP, GET VACCINATED.

IT IS NOT ONLY GOOD FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND YOUR COMMUNITY, IT WILL HAVE A VERY IMPORTANT IMPACT ON THE DYNAMICS OF THE OUTBREAK IN OUR COUNTRY.

>> Reporter: DR. ANTHONY FAUCI IS NOW SAYING IT WILL BE MAY OR JUNE BEFORE ALL AMERICANS COULD HAVE ACCESS TO COVID VACCINES.

ORIGINALLY HE SAID IT WOULD BE APRIL.

HOWEVER, THE ROLLOUT OF THE JOHNSON AND JOHNSON SINGLE- DOSE COVID VACCINE WILL BE MUCH SLOWER THAN EXPECTED BECAUSE OF A PRODUCTION MISCOMMUNICATION.

FOR HEALTH MINUTE, I AM MANDY GAITHER.

>>> CONSERVATIONISTS SAY SAN DIEGO'S NATURE PRESERVES ARE THREATENED BY POLLUTION AND HOMELESS ENCAMPMENTS, SO THEY ARE HOLDING REGULAR CLEANUPS.

KPBS NORTH COUNTY REPORTER TONYA THORNE FOLLOWED VOLUNTEERS IN OCEANSIDE AS THEY TAKE MATTERS INTO THEIR OWN HANDS.

>> Reporter: AS OF THIS MORNING, THE BONAVISTA LAGOON, A PRESERVED BEHIND A LARGE SHOPPING CENTER THAT PEOPLE FREQUENT ALL THE TIME, WAS FULL OF TRASH AND HOMELESS ENCAMPMENTS.

TODAY, ORGANIZATIONS AND VOLUNTEERS HAVE JOINED FORCES TO TAKE SOME OF THAT TRASH OUT, AND MAKE IT A CLEANER NORTH COUNTY.

THE BONAVISTA LAGOON IS NESTLED BETWEEN HOME DEVELOPMENTS AND SHOPPING CENTERS.

MARIO QUINONES, A PRIVATE CANYON RANGER IN THE AREA, DESCRIBES WHAT HE OFTEN ENCOUNTERS.

>> DOWN RIGHT OVER HERE ON THE RIVER BED, YOU WILL SEE MOST OF THE TRASH AT THE HOMELESS BRING IN, ANYWHERE FROM FURNITURE, FENCING, MATTRESSES, COUCHES, TO AS LITTLE AS JUST OUR COMMON TRASH.

>> Reporter: WITH TRASHBAGS AND TONGS IN HAND, VOLUNTEERS ENTERED THE CANYON TO DO THEIR PART AND CLEANUP WHAT THEY CAN.

>> I HAVE BEEN VOLUNTEERING ON MY OWN TO PICK UP TRASH WHERE I SEE IT, AND ONCE YOU START DOING THAT, YOUR MIND STOPS TUNING IT OUT AND YOU REALIZE JUST HOW BIG OF A PROBLEM IT IS.

>> Reporter: A PROBLEM THAT COLBY COULD NOT IGNORE, AND ESTABLISHED A CLEANER NORTH COUNTY, AN ORGANIZATION THAT NOW ORGANIZES CLEANUPS THROUGHOUT NORTH COUNTY.

TODAY, THEY COLLABORATED WITH THE SAN DIEGO HABITAT CONSERVANCY.

VINCE RIVAS IS WITH THE CONSERVANCY.

>> WE MANAGE OVER 2000 ACRES WORTH OF PRIVATE PRESERVE PROPERTIES THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY, IT IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY FOR MAKING SURE THAT THESE PROPERTIES STAY HEALTHY FOR THE WILDLIFE AND VEGETATION TO CALL THIS AREA HOME.

>> Reporter: BOTH ORGANIZATIONS WILL CONTINUE TO TARGET AREAS THROUGHOUT SAN DIEGO, AND ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR NEW VOLUNTEERS.

IN OCEANSIDE, TONYA THORNE, KPBS NEWS .

>>> NASA'S MARS ROVER PERSEVERANCE SUCCESSFULLY LANDED ON THE SURFACE OF THE RED PLANET TODAY.

>> TOUCHDOWN CONCERNED.

PERSEVERANCE SAFELY ON THE SURFACE OF MARGE.

>>> SUCH EXCITEMENT.

THE ROVER IS ROUGHLY 292 MILLION MILE JOURNEY WAS CAPPED OFF BY WHAT NASA CALLED 7 MINUTES OF TERROR.

IT HAD TO SLOW FROM 12,000 MILES PER HOUR TO 1 MILE-PER- HOUR IN THAT TIME, AND THE SPACECRAFT ALREADY SENT BACK ITS FIRST IMAGES OF THE SURFACE AS PART OF A 2 YEAR MISSION TO LOOK FOR SIGNS OF ANCIENT LIFE ON MARS.

>>> HERE IS ANOTHER LOOK AT OUR TOP STORY.

THE PETCO PARK VACCINATION SUPERSTATION WILL HAVE TO CLOSE AGAIN FOR AT LEAST THE NEXT 2 DAYS BECAUSE OF DISRUPTIONS IN THE SUPPLY CHAIN.

SEVERAL OTHER SITES ARE ALSO HAVING TO MAKE CHANGES, INCLUDING FOCUSING ON SECOND DOSES.

THE COUNTY SAYS ANYONE WITH AN APPOINTMENT DURING THE CLOSURE SHOULD CHECK THEIR EMAIL FOR WHEN IT WILL BE RESCHEDULED.

>>> YOU CAN FIND TONIGHT STORIES ON OUR WEBSITE, KPBS.ORG .

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

I AM MAYA TRABULSI.

HAVE A GREAT EVENING.

>>> MAJOR FUNDING FOR KPBS EVENING ADDITION HAS BEEN MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY ANDERSON PLUMBING HEATING AND AIR, PROUD TO SUPPORT THE MISSION OF KPBS , AND PRIVILEGED TO SERVE SAN DIEGO CLIENTS.

ANDERSON PLUMBING HEATING AND AIR, HELPING HOMEOWNERS MAINTAIN DRAIN, HEATING, AND COOLING SYSTEMS SINCE 1978.

AND BY THE CONRAD PREBYS FOUNDATION , DARLENE MARCOS SHILEY , AND BY THE FOLLOWING.

AND BY VIEWERS LIKE YOU.

THANK YOU.